Glasspar (United States)

Glasspar Company, based in Santa Ana, California, operated from 1951 to 1958 and was recognized as America's first major producer of fiberglass car bodies. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing a successful line of boats, but it ventured into the automotive sector under the direction of designer and vice president Bill Tritt.

The company's foray into car production began with the design of the Brooks Boxer, a vehicle built on a 1941 Willys chassis for Major Ken Brooks. This model garnered significant attention, being featured in Life magazine, which helped to stimulate demand for Glasspar's automotive offerings. In response, the company introduced the Glasspar G-2, a kit body designed to fit 1939-1948 Ford or Mercury chassis and running gear. Customers often opted for Cadillac and GMC engines as alternatives. Glasspar also provided an improved tube frame, constructed by the Mameco Company, which included Ford suspension components.

In addition to producing its own models, Glasspar manufactured bodies for other companies, allowing them to sell vehicles under different names. Notable collaborations included the Woodill Wildfire, Vaughn-Singer, and Yankee Clipper, as well as an aborted project for the Volvo P-1900. Tritt also collaborated with Dutch Darrin on a roadster featuring clamshell mudguards, intended to be sold as a complete car, but the project ultimately did not materialize, leading to the sale of Ascots in kit form instead.

By 1958, Glasspar ceased automobile production to focus on its expanding boat business, marking the end of its brief but impactful presence in the automotive industry.